UGA offensive line faces tall task vs. Gamecocks
ATHENS – After several days spent watching tape of South Carolina’s defense, Georgia offensive line coach Will Friend was struck by what he had not noticed.
“I was … trying to remember when I saw one score [against the Gamecocks],” Friend said. “I couldn’t think of a team I saw cross the goal line yet.”
It has happened, but rarely.
South Carolina’s defense has allowed only five touchdowns out of 67 opponent drives this season, meaning the opposition has scored a touchdown on 7.5 percent of its possessions. Contrast that to Georgia’s offense, which has scored 31 touchdowns on 74 drives, a 41.9 percent rate.
How well Georgia's offensive line protects QB Aaron Murray will be key against South Carolina's tall, tough defense. (Photo/UGA Sports)
All of which should make for a compelling clash Saturday night in Columbia.
Georgia’s offense has averaged 48.2 points and 536 yards (287 passing and 249 rushing) per game. But how will it fare against a defense that has allowed just 11.2 points and 289 yards (78 rushing and 211 passing) per game?
The answer starts with how Georgia’s offensive line, a question mark when the season began, fares against South Carolina’s vaunted defensive front, which is led by a pair of towering ends in 6-foot-6 Jadeveon Clowney and 6-8 Devin Taylor.
“We understand the impact they can have on the game, so we’re going to try to do something that can help thwart that,” said right guard Chris Burnette, the only Georgia offensive lineman available for interviews this week. “I feel like whenever you play in the SEC, you are playing against top-tier talent, always. But this defensive line really has a high reputation around the league and the country as guys who are great at getting to the quarterback and stopping the run.
“We definitely know that we are challenged, and we are going to take it head-on.”
One of the bigger challenges awaits freshman right tackle John Theus, playing just his sixth college game. “Yeah, [this week] is a little bit different,” Friend said with a laugh that emphasized the understatement, from what Theus has experienced thus far.
Clowney, a sophomore, and Taylor, a senior, have combined for 30.5 career sacks — 13.5 and 17, respectively. This season, Clowney has 5.5, second most in the SEC, and Taylor 1.5. As a team, South Carolina has 22, most in the SEC. The Gamecocks’ defensive front, responsible for 18 of the sacks, is stout against the run, too, allowing just two rushing touchdowns in five games.
“I saw where one of those ESPN expert guys thought we had the best defensive line in the country with those two ends and our inside guys [tackles Byron Jerideau and Kelcy Quarles], who are pretty dang good players also,” South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier said.
Georgia’s starting offensive line has been stable this season: Kenarious Gates at left tackle, Dallas Lee at left guard, David Andrews at center, Burnette at right guard and Theus at right tackle. The group’s easier-said-than-done challenge Saturday is to provide passing time for quarterback Aaron Murray, whose fumble after being sacked by Clowney late in last year’s game sealed South Carolina’s victory, and running room for tailbacks Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall.
Teams have had more success throwing against South Carolina’s secondary than running against its defensive front, suggesting potential opportunity for Murray if his line protects him.
Not surprisingly, the Gamecocks’ towering defensive ends came up during the quarterback’s weekly treat of his offensive linemen to ice cream.
“We talked about it,” Murray said. “I know they are extremely excited for the challenge, and they’ll be ready to go.”
So far, they have a record of responding to challenges, dating to the start of spring practice.
“In the spring, they knew they weren’t very good. Especially early on, it was just really bad,” coach Mark Richt said this week. “They knew they got better [during the spring], but they knew they had a long way to go. I think that really helped them have a great summer.
“They all decided to get up at 6 a.m. together every time they worked out. They all showed up, and they worked. They knew they better get better in a hurry. Then in [preseason] camp, things started to come together.”
On Saturday, in a game between top-10 teams, the progress of Georgia’s offensive line will be definitively measured.
“This game will definitely be the best gauge,” Richt said. “South Carolina’s defense is playing great. They’re not playing good; they’re playing great. They are kind of used to playing great.. … Without a doubt, this is the biggest test for our offensive line.”
– Tim Tucker
South Carolina’s defense by the numbers (with SEC rank in parentheses):
Touchdowns allowed: 5 (T-1st)
Points allowed per game: 11.2 (2nd)
Sacks: 22 (1st)
Total yards allowed per game: 289 (3rd)
Rushing yards allowed per game: 78 (2nd)
Passing yards allowed per game: 211 (7th)
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332 comments Add your comment
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:06 am
Not the point Bob. The poster said that we have not beaten a ranked team since 09. His facts are incorrect.
His facts are correct in his context which is teams that actually finished ranked. He didn’t make any assumptions about the teams being ranked on the day they were played like you are doing.
Truth
October 5th, 2012
11:06 am
Two VERY overrated teams. And by the way, Aaron Murray has never beaten a ranked opponent in an away game.
GT vs UGA, Clem vs. USC, FSU vs. UF will all expose the SEC for what it is this year. The pendulum is swinging away from the SEC. Oh, you got Alabama, but that’s about it.
Dave
October 5th, 2012
11:07 am
Enter your comments here
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:08 am
Murray does great against ranked teams.
If by great you mean he hasn’t beaten a single one then yes, he is great.
Dave
October 5th, 2012
11:09 am
TN is awful? For your information, they have the #2 ranked offense in the SEC. I agree that their defense isn’t much, but TN’s offense makes USC’s offense look like a blip on the radar. They have Latimore and Shaw, but Shaw ain’t no Bray. But of course, anyone that UGA beats is eaither overrated or just sucks. ‘Bout par for the troll’s course…..
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:10 am
hey gtbob I have question? how does feel to lose mtenn st? well that is all
Not bad at all. I was already numb from the Miami game.
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
11:10 am
Truth, wrong again, sweetie! He beat two ranked teams last year. He also played well enough to beat Auburn and perhaps LSU last year. You are blaming losses on Murray when Murray wasn’t the problem.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:12 am
Truth, wrong again, sweetie! He beat two ranked teams last year. He also played well enough to beat Auburn and perhaps LSU last year.
Nope, he hasn’t beaten a ranked team. And lol at him playing good enough to beat LSU. It was completely the rest of the teams fault that they lost by almost 5 touchdowns.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:13 am
TN is awful? For your information, they have the #2 ranked offense in the SEC.
Sorry, but that really isnt saying much.
PaperChamps
October 5th, 2012
11:13 am
To all of the DELUSIONAL DAWG fans – I can sense your fear! This ain’t 2005 or 1980 so wake up and realize that UGA fans are the only ones telling themselves that they are an elite program. Until you have a serious schedule and beat a serious team, you are PAPERCHAMPS living in a bubble wrapped around Athens.
For that matter, SCAR has won 2 baseball National Championships in the past 3 years so get over yourselves. Has UGA won a National Championship in the past 10 years in Football, Basketball or Baseball? Bueller, Bueller, thats what I thought CHUMPS!
World Beaters (GTBob just keeps beating himself)
October 5th, 2012
11:15 am
@Bobie – His facts are correct in his context which is teams that actually finished ranked. He didn’t make any assumptions about the teams being ranked on the day they were played like you are doing.
___________
You’re a Richard. Please read the post again. I understand that it might be tough for you. It stated that UGA has never beaten a ranked team since 09, NOT has never beaten a team that finished the year ranked. You must be an Obama lover because just like that tool, you very bad with the facts that are in black and white right in front of you. Pull your head out!
Truth
October 5th, 2012
11:15 am
UGA hasn’t lined up a against a quality D-Line yet this year. USC’s DEs will be in the backfield, so USC gets pressure without having to blitz = Aaron Murray getting pressured = inability to move ball, interceptions, turnovers = exposed.
Final Score: USC 34 UGA 23
World Beaters (GTBob just keeps beating himself)
October 5th, 2012
11:17 am
“For that matter, SCAR has won 2 baseball National Championships in the past 3 years so get over yourselves.”
_________________
You must be related to Bobbie! How does baseball get in the mix of TOMORROWS FOOTBALL GAME???? I’m still waiting for you to tell me the last time SC won the SEC. Clown!
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:20 am
It stated that UGA has never beaten a ranked team since 09, NOT has never beaten a team that finished the year ranked.
lol at UGA fans trying to claim major victories over teams that were exposed later. I guess La Monroe gets credit for beating a top 10 team this year. Oregon St also beat a top 15 Wisconsin team. Pittsburgh beat a top 15 team as well. Gotta love the magic of manipulating numbers in hopes that people will think you beat somebody worth beating.
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
11:20 am
As much as I hate to take time to correct you. The teams were ranked when he beat them. More importantly, Murray wasn’t the issue in the losses. He was ahead of Auburn as a Freshman and LSU last year by large margins. If our receivers had caught balls put in their hands, it would have been more dramatic last year. Other parts of the team broke down and we lost both games. Attacking Murray for problems not of his making is like treating a virus with antibiotics. Murray just isn’t the problem. His poise, quick release, and pinpoint accuracy put us ahead of two great teams.
dawgfacedboy
October 5th, 2012
11:22 am
I’m stunned someone from Tech could talk trash to anyone after losing to MTSU by 21. If UGA loses it will be to the #6 team in the country at their home field. What’s Tech’s excuse? YOu’ve lost 9 in a row to UGA and you just lost to MTSU, how can you possibly talk trash?
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
11:24 am
Truth
Tell us where is the Pendulum swinging
You might ought to get a clue and do some research
Since the BCS was created the SEC has won 8 the next conference in line is the Big 12 with 2
Since the mid 50’s the SEC leads in national titles as well
For some reason I dont see the pendulum swinging anywhere even if the SEC doesnt win it this year
Thanks for trying
Red Pants
October 5th, 2012
11:27 am
What a weekend. Braves today, Dawgs tomorrow, hopefully more Braves Sunday. I just peed a little.
3rd Party
October 5th, 2012
11:27 am
Murray is a white version of DJ Shockley…..Athletic, Solid Arm, Good Runner, but too short to see what is going on. Too make NC runs, you need someone who can see over the line, an NFL caliber QB. UGA doesn’t have one of those. Sorry.
Mark
October 5th, 2012
11:27 am
Protect the football and we win..All areas of the kicking game will be huge. Utilize the tight ends and quick slants. Go Dawgs….
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
11:28 am
Paper Champs
Let see
SC has never beat UGA 3 times in a row
SC has one conference championship in the Joke Conference the ACC.
By the way when was that conference championship? Wasnt that when the telephone or car was invented; its been so long ago I have to go to a library and dust off books to find the answer.
What is SC record against UGA now theres a laugh
What is SC record against Clemson thats a laugh too
What is SC football record 555-542 LOL I can flip a coin and get that record
How many All Americans has SC had 3 LOL
Here is another laugh, SC has only finished in the top 10 one time in their entire history BLAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Wait hold up here is another laugh!!!!!!
SC has only won 5 bowl games!!!!! BLAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Red Pants
October 5th, 2012
11:29 am
@3rd party
Chris Leak, Matt Mauck, Greg Mcilroy, Craig Krenzel, Ken Dorsey, Josh Huepel would like to disagree with you.
Mark
October 5th, 2012
11:30 am
@3rd better check your stats..Murray is the best QB in the SEC.
D-MAN
October 5th, 2012
11:31 am
If it comes down to field position battle, then that weak legged
Barber scares the crap out of me!GO DAWGS!
bigdawg33
October 5th, 2012
11:32 am
We got this! No problem on Sat nite in SC and after lsu pounds them gator we will be 1st in east.
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
11:33 am
Paper Chumps
Let see
SC has never beat UGA 3 times in a row
SC has one conference championship in the Joke Conference the ACC.
By the way when was that conference championship? Wasnt that when the telephone or car was invented; its been so long ago I have to go to a library and dust off books to find the answer.
What is SC record against UGA now theres a laugh
What is SC record against Clemson thats a laugh too
What is SC football record 555-542 LOL I can flip a coin and get that record
How many All Americans has SC had 3 LOL
Here is another laugh, SC has only finished in the top 10 one time in their entire history BLAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
Wait hold up here is another laugh!!!!!!
SC has only won 5 bowl games!!!!! BLAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
Bueller
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
11:39 am
SC does have a *great* line, but so did Auburn in ‘10 when they won the NC. Murray, as a rs Freshman, showing poise and ability beyond his years, lit them up for 21 points in the 1st quarter, and he certainly played well enough to win. The big difference is that Murray now has a great D (I believe) behind him, and he has a strong running game, too. The Murray big game trash talk is a myth.
Nothing Could Be Finer
October 5th, 2012
11:45 am
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
11:39 am
SC does have a *great* line, but so did Auburn in ‘10 when they won the NC. Murray, as a rs Freshman, showing poise and ability beyond his years, lit them up for 21 points in the 1st quarter, and he certainly played well enough to win. The big difference is that Murray now has a great D (I believe) behind him, and he has a strong running game, too. The Murray big game trash talk is a myth.
—————————————
Not so sure that the dogs D is great.
Dogs fans seem to point out individual players that might be good, but as a whole that dogs D is really not that good.
They are ranked No. 55 in the nation in total defense.
Not elite.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:46 am
As much as I hate to take time to correct you. The teams were ranked when he beat them.
Which is completely meaningless. I have been trying to tell you this. Wouldn’t you rather beat a team that ended up being good than a team that everyone thought was good but really wasn’t?
Tech Sucks
October 5th, 2012
11:47 am
LOL GT is going to expose UGA? Did I seriously just read that. MTSU by 3 TD’s Nerd. Good God you are freaking morons.
Here are the offensive powerhouses SC has played so far (In order of Division 1 total offense ranking):
East Carolina – 41st
Kentucky – 77th
Missouri – 78th
Vandy – 100th
UAB – 108th
UGA – 8th… Get ready.
And @GTBob… Dumbest argument ever saying Murray can’t beat a team that can stay ranked at the end of the season. When a team LOSES a game they DROP in the polls. Idiot.
Joey
October 5th, 2012
11:48 am
You know a doofus is hard up for accomplishments when he comes on a football blog, and brags about his school’s baseball team.
Tech Sucks
October 5th, 2012
11:48 am
“I’m stunned someone from Tech could talk trash to anyone after losing to MTSU by 21. If UGA loses it will be to the #6 team in the country at their home field. What’s Tech’s excuse? YOu’ve lost 9 in a row to UGA and you just lost to MTSU, how can you possibly talk trash?”
SERIOUSLY… It never ceases to amaze me how freaking moronic Tech fans are. MTSU
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:50 am
YOu’ve lost 9 in a row to UGA and you just lost to MTSU, how can you possibly talk trash?
Im pretty sure we haven’t lost 9 in a row to UGA. Either way, you probably should have figured out by now that the outcome of the UGA/GT game or any other game isn’t going to stop me from voicing my opinion.
Bernie Matt
October 5th, 2012
11:51 am
UGA wins easily. SC can’t score often enough to keep up. Provided – Murray does not throw it to them or get stripped by one of those ends. If he sees the sack coming, get down on the ground and play the next down.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:52 am
LOL GT is going to expose UGA? Did I seriously just read that.
No, you didn’t. I have been pretty consistent in my prediction that UGA will beat Tech by 4-5 touchdowns.
Joey
October 5th, 2012
11:52 am
“Wouldn’t you rather beat a team that ended up being good than a team that everyone thought was good but really wasn’t?”
**************************************
I would rather be any team than Ga Tech right now.
That’s all I can say . . .
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
11:52 am
Paper Chumps
No response, or did reality get your tongue?
#73
October 5th, 2012
11:55 am
All these Gamecock chumps talking about Clowney like he’s the best defensive player in the conference. Can’t wait to see Jarvis bring the pain. Chickens will never win anything significant. FACT!!
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
11:55 am
I would rather be any team than Ga Tech right now.
Even Penn State?
SEC BOYZ
October 5th, 2012
11:57 am
On Saturday there r no excuses period.. We r the better team & have way better talent.. There is no rivalry, they look up to us bc half of the roster is from Georgia ..
So in there eyes they rival us we don’t them.. At 7:00 Georgia has a chance to prove to ppl & the ol ball coach that still we r betta & don’t plan on stopping in Columbia to lose
It will b a good game.. Overall : I’m tired of hearing they r at our level when u have yet to win nothing n your trophy case.. UGA wins by 2 touchdowns
Joe Bob Wengie
October 5th, 2012
11:58 am
SC-38
UGA-3
Flat Tire on I-95 in Jacksonville
October 5th, 2012
12:02 pm
Joe Bob Wengie
seriously
and SC wins the National Title too right
Joey
October 5th, 2012
12:02 pm
Well, Penn St is 3-2 . . .
Just picking bob, I really would like for Tech to beat Clemson, because I’d like Tech to help prove that FSU ain’t “all that,” by spanking the Tigers. And think it’s a 50-50 shot.
Truth
October 5th, 2012
12:03 pm
UGA will lose to USC
UGA will lose to UF
UGA will not go to the SEC championship
Mark it down!!
CHDawg
October 5th, 2012
12:05 pm
Bob, both are valid, but different measures. Why? Remember, that injuries, suspensions, improvement by teams, and many, many other variables affect team play. Team play isn’t static for the year. For instance, Alabama lost to Florida in the SECCG in ‘08 and then they were upset in their bowl. Everybody thought they looked flat and not up to par. When the team’s NC hopes were dashed, they let down. I think the better question is whether you should try to pin that on Murray. Murray has seldom been the problem. Also, teams that get beat move down in the rankings. I looked at how many top ten teams(end of the year method) Alabama has beaten in the 10-12 season, and it was very few, top ten wins. I think they beat two teams that were top ten at the end of the year, and they lost to one of those in the season.
Georgia Gamecock
October 5th, 2012
12:05 pm
I am looking forward to heading back to Vegas on Sunday to collect my 50K!
How many Ga fans will I see on the flight collecting on their Vegas bets!
Joey
October 5th, 2012
12:05 pm
Only a “Joe Bob” would think UGA would score 3 points tomorrow night.
I’m not a betting man, but would be interested in a wager on that prediction, Wengie.
GTBob
October 5th, 2012
12:08 pm
Tech will beat Clemson this weekend and UGA this year for sure. No doubt. Mark it down.
Burt Reynolds
October 5th, 2012
12:08 pm
Joey, FSU would spank UGA like a red-headed step-child and I hope we all get to see it.
FSU has the DEs that USC has but they also have depth at LB and in the secondary. Whatever you see tomorrow night in USC is a step down from the Noles D.
Clemson will show USC who is in charge later this year. You can count on that too!
PR
October 5th, 2012
12:12 pm
Going to be a battle in Columbia on Saturday night.
Go Dawgs!